Let Go or Get Dragged Along
Blog by Sebastiaan Fransen, 5th dan Judo
https://www.spfransen.nl/laat-los-of-je-wordt-meegesleurd/
Some judoka fiercely battle for a strong grip (kumi-kata) on their partner. Once they get hold, they don’t want to let go, often resulting in finger injuries. Not all fingers remain straight, and some joints become significantly thicker. Consequently, certain judoka arrive half an hour early to tape their fingers before training.
It’s challenging to avoid overstretching fingers completely; occasionally, your hand gets caught in a sleeve or lapel. When the other judoka suddenly moves, it’s often too late.
However, by applying judo principles, you can minimize injuries. Ultimately, maintaining a healthy body is an essential goal of judo!
A Light Kumi-Kata
Use a light kumi-kata. Hold the judogi loosely and avoid grips that easily trap your fingers. This way, you can better sense your partner’s movements and react swiftly or let go when necessary.
Experiment with grips that don’t involve the judogi, like grabbing the hand/wrist or neck. Combine these grips with smart body positioning relative to your partner.
Kumi-Kata for Kuzushi
When your partner forcefully tries to break your grip, just let go. This is often advantageous—not only will your fingers stay safe, but you can quickly establish another grip. Sometimes, with good timing, you can even use your partner’s freeing motion to create kuzushi (off-balancing).
It also works the other way around. Judoka sometimes hold onto a grip even when they have lost or are losing control. As a result, they become off-balanced by their own grip, providing their partner with an opportunity to capitalize on this imbalance.
Taking Care of Your Partner
To genuinely apply the principle of jita kyōei (mutual prosperity), avoid violent motions when breaking grips. Instead, rely on good posture and correct angles.
Alternatively, don’t break the grip—instead, use it to your advantage. You might ensure your partner cannot let go or use their grip to anticipate their intentions and take over their attack. You can even leverage someone’s grip for wrist or arm locks (apply these gently).
If you let go, you have two hands free.
— Loesje
In Conclusion
At the BJJ Globetrotters Zen Camp, I met Wim Deputter. He shared valuable principles applicable to budo and as a philosophy for life. Could these also relate to kumi-kata?
These principles are:
Be happy with what you have
Maintain what you have
Accept what is offered to you
If something is taken away, don’t desperately chase after it—something else will come your way
Take small steps, and gradually work on increasing what you have
